I skipped the baby food phase growing up. Not for any true dietary restriction, but because I simply refused to eat the mushy stuff. My poor mother mashed up adult dinners to keep me fed, and I lived my happy baby life.
Growing up, my diet didn’t really expand much. I had a selection of foods I would eat, and that was it. If anything, the list got smaller over time. This not only made day-to-day meals a challenge, but holidays as well.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that I am an extremely picky eater, and growing up as a granddaughter and niece of farmers, those lovely traditional Thanksgiving dinners have always been difficult for me. I love my family to the moon and back, but the traditional recipes passed through generations were not things my pickiness could easily stomach.
Nevertheless, I still like to enjoy some of the Thanksgiving eats. While it is a lot less than most people, here’s how I make the few dishes I will eat, edible for me.
- Prepare a dish
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This is the easiest. I offer to make one of the dishes for Thanksgiving and make sure it is prepared in a way that I enjoy. Others don’t usually notice the difference between recipes, they don’t care how the green beans are made as long as they are there.
They get their green beans, and I also get green beans! It’s a win-win.
- Start Plain!
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When it comes to the big traditional dishes, turkey and potatoes, I ask for everything plain; before gravy, sauces or seasoning is put on, I get my portion and season it myself.
DIY meals are the best.
- Scoop the bottom
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I love potatoes, but our family does wedge potatoes with cornflakes and melted cheese on top. I don’t eat cornflakes or melted cheese, which means I have to get creative. I have figured out how to angle the spoon and scoop out just the bottom of the potatoes, avoiding the top parts I won’t eat.
If a dish is layered, it never hurts to try scooping strategically.
- appetizers!!
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The cold cheese, salomi and pickles are all things I can usually stomach. So, sometimes it’s best to just fill my plate with the less traditional aspects of the meal.
Protein is protein, whether it comes from a turkey or lunchmeat style salomi.
Picky eaters, I know Thanksgiving can be a challenge. It is a holiday, but don’t let anyone tell you what to eat. You deserve to like your meal as much as anyone else.
Enjoy your food! Happy Thanksgiving!